Scientology Expands in Los Feliz

From the Los Feliz Ledger, article written by By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer

LOS FELIZ—The empty lot at No. Hillhurst Avenue and Avocado Street is to become to a new branch of The Church of Scientology Mission of Los Feliz expected to open next spring.

Construction is currently underway to build the planned 6,000-square-foot, two story Spanish-style religious center conceptually designed by Michael Smith and Yvan Poissant and engineered by Kamus and Keller. The site will have 29 parking spaces.

Introductory services, individual counseling and life improvement courses on various subjects—including communication and raising children—will all be offered at the mission, according to Cristin Woodruff, a spokeswoman for the Church of Scientology.

“Quite frankly that mission has grown so much since they came to Los Feliz seven or eight years ago that it was really just time for a bigger building,” said Woodruff. “And [the Mission] really wanted to do something that contributed to the beautification of Los Feliz.”

There are more than 10,000 Scientology churches, missions and affiliated groups in 167 nations across the world, according to Woodruff.

The property was purchased in early 2011 for $2,050,020.

The Church of Scientology Mission of Los Feliz will host tours and an opening celebration when the construction is complete.

“We really are open to anybody in the community and also really want to give back to the community.” Woodruff said.